June 2015 Update: Dinner in Knightsbridge, by Heston Blumenthal serves good food especially the Savoury Porridge with ‘Kiev style’ Frogs Legs and the exceptional Tipsy Cake served with a slow roasted pineapple. The ambience is friendly and views of the kitchen are an added interest along with those of Hyde Park. The restaurant within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel focuses on
“…dishes inspired by Britain’s historic gastronomic past, ………….dating as far back as the 16th century.”
Dinner restaurant Has Lovely Views of Hyde Park, Expensive & Can Provide Exceptional Food
Given this historical context you won’t be surprised to learn that the disabled facilities are not 21st century compliant. Access is excellent and flat throughout via the Ballroom entrance from the street. However I was shocked to find what we call a ‘Ludicrous Loo’. I was ushered to the disabled toilet at the same level as the restaurant only to find this…a lovely toilet in a big space but without any grab rails!! The maitre’d was very surprised at my reaction but was soon appraised of what was required.
Ludicrous Loo at Heston’s Dinner at Mandarin Hotel – Lots of Space But Nothing to Hold on to…….Dismayed of Knightsbridge
I was then taken on a torturous route down in the lift, through 2 sets of very heavy doors and shown to a disabled toilet only to be kept waiting for 10 minutes whilst a woman got changed in there…Annoying!!
Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Disabled Toilet. Accessible after a Torturous Route Through 2 Sets of V. Heavy Doors – Never Heard of Automatic Openers??
We have now been to din.ner and the food is indeed exceptional – including the ‘meat fruit’!! However, access and the disabled toilets are a complicated journey via the ballroom and a lift. OK if in a wheelchair but tedious if you’re using sticks. Also no one is that sure on where they are when asked. A as a result din.ner is downgraded to 2 BBS Ticks
“may be expensive, but it’s also bloody lovely. Save up.”
I’ll be visiting to give you a definitive answer but in the meantime we have found out that the restaurant is totally accessible. There are steps to get into the hotel but there is a lift and once inside everything is on one level and they have a disabled toilet in the entrance hall of the hotel.
1 Michelin Star Michelin Travel Publications 2012. Tatler Restaurant of the Year Spring 2011
So din.ner By Heston Blumenthal gets a provisional 3 BBS Ticks
din.ner restaurant in Mandarin Oriental Knightsbridge
